Jemma Dally

Spear’s Review

Overseeing the adoption, surrogacy and international childcare department at Goodman Ray, Jemma Dally is head of a knowledgeable and proven team that can take on some of the most challenging elements of family law. Her extensive experience in these subjects – particularly in cases involving children conceived by way of artificial insemination – means she is sought out by British and international clients alike.

She is also recognised for her work on difficult relocation cases, which often involve multiple jurisdictions and parents of different nationalities, and on surrogacy cases and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008. Her ability to be simultaneously creative and constructive in what remains a nascent area of the profession has been widely noted, and she was recommended to Spear’s by a number of her colleagues and peers who commended her knowledge and attentiveness. 

Dally is a member of the British Agency for Adoption and Fostering, the Association of Lawyers for Children and the International Bar Association. 

Adviser Profile

Jemma Dally is recognised internally for her work on difficult children cases. She is regularly instructed in complex surrogacy, fertility, domestic and international adoption matters, for which sources consider her “a real leader” and her cases have been described as “cutting-edge law”. 

Dally’s work has helped clients in the tightest of legal binds. She successfully represented five families in the landmark decision The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (A & Ors) 2015 EWHC 2602, concerning the acquisition of legal parenthood in respect of children conceived using donor sperm. Dally has since gone on to represent more than 40 families in the same situation. She is at the forefront of cases in which family and immigration law intersect and is currently co-authoring a book on the international movement of children, due to be published later this year. She regularly contributes to publications and lectures in this area.  

Dally has a unique place in the market, having had over 20 years’ experience in all aspects of children cases. Her background gives her an unrivalled knowledge of the area of law in which she practices and a particular expertise in advising wealthy families on matters involving children. Her clients value her empathy, understanding and her honesty about the reality of their cases. Clients say that she is “an exceptional lawyer”. Her energy for the work that she does is obvious.

Jemma is a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL). She is accredited as a specialist in adoption and private children matters.